Jets add All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blind side after four-time MVP lasted only four plays in his first season with New York

The New York Jets add All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith to their offensive line after losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending injury just four games into their 2023 season.

Friday night’s move completes an overhaul of New York’s offensive line, the focus of the offseason for the Jets and general manager Joe Douglas.

NFL Network first reported the deal and ESPN reported it would be a one-year contract worth up to $20 million, including incentives. A team source has now confirmed the news.

The Jets also re-signed defensive lineman Solomon Thomas earlier Friday, a person familiar with the deal told the AP.

The 33-year-old Smith, a two-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection, solidifies an O-line that struggled with production and consistency last season. Smith will be charged with protecting Rodgers’ blind side and will work with returning center Joe Tippmann and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, recently signed left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses, who was acquired this week from Baltimore.

Tyron Smith (77) blocks Seattle Seahawks defensive end Dre’Mont Jones in 2023

Smith steps in at left tackle, where the Jets have had issues throughout the 2023 season, starting with their opening drive.

It was during New York’s first possession of 2023 when Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd beat veteran left tackle Duane Brown en route to Rodgers, who suffered a season-ending Achilles fracture on the play.

Smith started 13 games last season, returning to his dominant form after being limited to just 17 games in the previous three seasons due to injuries.

He played all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Cowboys after being the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft out of USC.

Thomas has spent the past two seasons in New York, where he has become a key part of the Jets’ defensive line while also establishing himself as a leader on the field and in the locker room.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Friday because the team had not announced the move. SNY first reported that Thomas agreed to a deal to return to New York.

The 28-year-old Thomas had a career-high five sacks last season while appearing in every game, including three starts.

Tyron Smith will be tasked with protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ blind side

Thomas will once again be part of a Jets D-line considered one of the team’s strengths, led by Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Will McDonald and recently signed Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu.

Thomas was San Francisco’s third overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft and played his first four seasons with the 49ers, where current Jets coach Robert Saleh was his defensive coordinator. Thomas played the 2021 season with the Raiders before signing with the Jets the following offseason and re-signing last year.

He has 15 career sacks with 45 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a recovery in 99 NFL games.

Thomas, nominated for the Jets’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award last season, is also deeply involved in the community. His nonprofit organization The Defensive Line, founded after his sister Ella’s death by suicide in 2018, aims to raise awareness of youth suicide and mental health education.